Aasai

The government will revoke the licenses of all bars operating near schools in Muranga County, as part of its efforts to protect the education sector. The move is aimed at protecting students from social evils and vices associated with alcohol consumption, abuse, and even addiction in minors.

 Speaking during the commencement ceremony of the graduation ceremony at the Maragua Technical Training Institute (MTTI), Muranga County, which was also graced by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, announced that the government is continuing a thorough inspection of all licensed bars across the country.

 He warned that any shops located near schools will have their licenses revoked with immediate effect. Ogamba stressed that protecting the learning environment is a priority that the ministry will not gamble with. “As a government, we are determined to address this challenge. We cannot jeopardize the future of our children for the revenue from bar licenses; therefore, our focus now is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning,” he added. 

The announcement comes amid repeated criticism of the Muranga county government, with leaders accusing the devolved agency of allowing some of the bars to operate near schools, thereby contributing to alcoholism, drug abuse, and other social evils among students. Led by Muranga County Women Representative Betty Maina, the leaders noted that the county leadership has failed to address the menace of alcoholism in the area, but appeared to support the deputy. Betty stressed that strong action must be taken to protect the future of our children. 

"It must be remembered that we have social problems related to alcohol abuse, which are seriously affecting the education system here in Muranga County. "The county government has been issuing licenses to bars near schools, and there are even dealers who sell drugs to school children. We cannot ignore the social environment surrounding our schools, thereby putting the education and well-being of our children at great risk,” said the women’s representative, who wondered aloud how education could be helped by bars near educational institutions. 

“The county government has failed by not complying with what the liquor licensing committee set a few years ago, but there is a law that bars must be at least 300 metres away from educational institutions,” said the MP, noting that the requirement has not been implemented, thus highlighting the education sector in the Munaver’a area. court. She revealed that the main challenge in regulating bar licenses is that many owners continue to operate under court orders. “Last financial year, we issued licenses to 2,700 bars out of 4,000 that had applied for licenses, "But the problem arises when bar owners go to court and continue their activities despite violating social distancing rules," he said.

 Munania reiterated the county governments commitment to supporting the education sector and ensuring that all students in the country study in a conducive environment, without any negative consequences. Meanwhile, the government has assured school administrators and parents that funding for the third semester has been released. "The third semester funds have been released and will be in the school accounts by next week to ensure the operation of our educational institutions," Ogamba said.